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Chezlynn Chinavare, owner of Elderly Solutions Incorporated, an extraordinary assisted living and adult foster care facility in Monroe, is a woman with a passion and a mission – to provide the highest standard of live-in care for persons suffering from medical issues or memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. And less than 30 seconds after meeting her, you realize she’s been blessed with extra helpings of compassion, energy and commitment.

Probably the most striking fact about Elderly Solutions is that it doesn’t look or feel like a nursing facility, but rather like a private, spacious, airy, open family home with high ceilings, lots of windows and light.

And that’s because it really is one.

Chinavare, a registered nurse, purchased a large house from a local physician in 2003 to fulfill her dream of providing exceptional private care with all of the comforts and amenities that you would wish for in a ‘home away from home’.

“I had worked as the Director of Nursing at another assisted living facility, where I was unhappy with staffing ratios, training and other issues,” Chinavare explained. “I realized that there had to be a better alternative for people who needed a safe, secure, personal place to live and be cared for. I contacted Congressman John Dingell to plead for something better. He encouraged me to effect change from within and to demonstrate that change.

“He was my inspiration. So, with help from my parents and family, I purchased the house and remodeled it to fit their specialized needs. My family and I lived there during this process and throughout the early years after we opened our doors. I worked non-stop – but it was and is worth it.”

“I am completely passionate about what we do here”, Chinavare continued. “We specialize in helping people with dementia or who require hospice care, and our goal is to provide the best quality of life possible – at a cost significantly below that of a nursing home. I love the fact that we really function like a family home with programs and care plans tailored to each person. It’s very personal for me and my staff. The differences we make are amazing- my staff goes above and beyond.”

Families appreciate the fact that Elderly Solutions has a guaranteed flat fee for care – without additional costs for services or level of support needed.

Support includes 24 hour access to staff and nurses; three homemade meals per day served in a family setting; snacks; laundry service; room and board; bathing, grooming and dressing assistance; housekeeping; healthcare monitoring; and medication assistance.

“Beyond all of the services that you would expect, we offer a full range of activities and programs designed to enhance cognition and social interaction, including games, travel outings, seasonal water aerobics, a breakfast club, movie nights, card parties, craft and exercise classes, gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, and bingo,” Chinavare stated. “Care is specific to each resident, and we discuss plans with the resident, family and physician to tailor programs to individual needs and desires.”

“Initially, we offered care for up to six patients (one of whom is still with us ten years after we opened), but with the help of a loan from Monroe Bank & Trust, we recently designed and built a new wing that now allows us to care for up to 12 people. We offer spacious private and semi-private rooms, but I think the features that everyone appreciates most are our two large family kitchens and dining areas, lots of windows, and our huge family rooms. Everything is designed to decrease anxiety and confusion and to maximize quality of life – to make it feel like home.”

Chinavare explained that there is no signage on the outside of the house because it can be distracting for dementia patients, and can also detract from the ambience and feeling. Instead, a large pool, gardens, patio, handicap accessible ramps and parking area greet visitors and guests. Ollie the therapy cat can also be found entertaining patients and staff alike.

Chinavare’s success is evidenced by the fact that Elderly Solutions received top honors with the “Spirit of Service Award” from the Michigan Assisted Living Association in 2004 – just one year after opening.

“When we first started, we had three employees,” Chinavare said. “Today, we have 14 staff members, five of whom are fulltime. Before we employ our staff, we require a health physical and also conduct criminal background and personal reference checks. Additionally, all staff complete a comprehensive skills check annually, and our licensed nursing staff must maintain continuing education classes. I have always encouraged nursing as a profession, and I am proud of the fact that, over the years, nine employees became nurses and others are currently in college.”

Chinavare obtained her undergraduate nursing degree from Monroe County Community College, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing degree from the University of Michigan-Flint with a specialization in geriatrics. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. Prior to opening Elderly Solutions, Chinavare worked as a nurse for Riverside Hospital and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in areas including critical care and emergency, among others.

“I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my family,” Chinavare added. “I am so grateful to my mom and dad for their support – as well as my kids. Lots of people told me I was crazy because I was only in my late 20’s when I set out to do this. But I really wanted to change the quality of care and realize my vision. I’m tremendously proud to help our residents and their families, and to be able to make a difference to seniors and their families who need help.”

Chinavare has two children who also help with Elderly Solutions: Kevin (17) who will attend the University of Toledo on an academic scholarship to pursue a degree in pharmacology, and Katherine (12) who is a pitcher for the fastpitch softball team, Michigan Rage.

Visit Elderly Solutions in person at 100 Santure Road in Monroe, online at www.elderlysolutionsmonroe.com or call 734-240-2374 for an appointment.